Port St. Lucie residents protest Social Security budget cuts

About 75 residents of Port St. Lucie gathered on Saturday to protest recent cuts to Social Security. They held the rally outside the Social Security Administration office to voice their support for the program. Many of them rely on these benefits during retirement, stressing that it is not a scheme but a program they have funded over many years. Felecia Bruce, a retired teacher and president of the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, spoke at the event. She emphasized that Social Security is a program the workers have paid into for decades. Bruce mentioned that the government does not incur extra costs from these benefits. She called the program "the most popular" in the country. Demonstrators held signs such as "I support government workers" while cars passed by, honking in support. Bruce noted that the crowd represented a diverse group of people, including Democrats, Republicans, and independents. They all care about protecting Social Security and ensuring access to benefits. The rally follows announced changes by the Trump administration that could reduce staffing at the Social Security Administration and make it harder for seniors and disabled individuals to access their benefits. Protesters argue that these proposed cuts would create unnecessary challenges for those who depend on the program. Cynthia Wilson, a 68-year-old participant, shared her experience. She has paid into Social Security since her first job at age 13 and highlighted how important the benefits are for basic needs like food and rent. The Alliance for Retired Americans believes these changes could exacerbate problems for an already strained system.